James Snipes '75

James Snipes ‘75 is senior counsel with the law firm of Covington & Burling. He is a former partner in the firm’s corporate practice, the founder and former head of the firm’s San Francisco office, and a former member of the firm’s executive committee. His practice has focused on corporate and transactional matters for life sciences clients.

Snipes spent two years as head of the corporate group in Covington’s London office and two years at the Tokyo law firm of Nagashima, Ohno & Tsunematsu. He is also a recognized authority in the field of art law, with broad experience in resolving disputes involving Nazi-era claims and cultural patrimony claims. His pro bono work includes representation of various global health nonprofits, as well as work as a court-appointed special advocate for children in the foster care system.

Snipes is a volunteer for Southeastern Immigrant Freedom Initiative, a tutor and mentor for Bridge the Gap College Prep,

He has been named by Chambers USA as one of America’s leading business lawyers and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Law Tribune, and the Equal Justice Award from New Haven Legal Assistance.

Snipes earned a B.A. with honors in religion and a minor in English literature from Swarthmore, a B.A. with honors in philosophy, politics, and economics from Oxford University, and a J.D. from Yale University.